Pavers are a great choice as a surface for outdoor and indoor hardscaping. When installing pavers, sealing is an important final step that shouldn’t be missed. Paver sealer is vital for protecting the surface from stains while extending its lifespan. But with all the sealers out there, many homeowners wonder which is the best sealer to use.
Image | Name | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Depending on the type of paver surface and finish you’re after, you can choose from either water based, solvent based polyurethane, or solvent based acrylic paving sealers. They all have their advantages based on various pavers, and come in a variety of finishes to suit your aesthetic.
Our Reviews of Paver Sealers
There’s a few important factors to consider before selecting a paver sealer. Read on below to learn more about the different sealer types to determine which works best for you.
The Top 7 Best Paver Sealers for 2021 are:
- Dominator LG+ Paver Sealer
- Foundation Armor Wet Look Paver Sealer
- Glaze 'N Seal Clear Paver Sealer & Sand Stabilizer
- Eagle Sealer Clear Paver Sealer
- Black Diamond Wet Look Stone Sealer
- MasonryDefender Low Gloss Paver Sealer
- Rain Guard Invisible Clear Paver Sealer
Find out which is best for you in our full in-depth reviews below ...
Dominator LG+ Paver Sealer
The Dominator LG+ Paver Sealer leaves your pavers looking new and glossy for up to 5 years. It’s cost-effective formula means you can cover twice as much compared to the average sealer, and it’s solvent-free so you don’t have to worry about inhaling toxic fumes. This sealer has been designed to be easy to use, ideal for those who have no experience with sealing pavers yet it provides professional results.
Source: blackdiamondcoatings.com
OUR RATING
Specifications
Features/Benefits
The Dominator LG+ Paver Sealer is recommended for faded pavers. Easy application and low VOC content means that you can quickly do the job of restoring old pavers and have them looking brand new again without spending for professional labor. The formula works by leaving a breathable and film-forming layer that offers excellent protection from oil stains and ultraviolet rays, while minimizing slip potential.
Pros:
Cons:
Verdict
Dominator LG+ Paver Sealer offers a superior formula that works well for old and faded pavers. Homeowners love its ease of use, though you may need to purchase more than one gallon to ensure a thoroughly-covered surface. It’s priced higher than average sealers on the market, but because of its superior performance, it’s worth every penny.
Foundation Armor Wet Look Paver Sealer
Foundation Armor Wet Look Paver Sealer is a low gloss, darkening sealer that provides protection from many of the most common damaging elements. This solvent-based acrylic wet look formula can be used indoors or outdoors. It doesn’t just seal but it also enhances and protects, and can be used on a wide range of surfaces whether old or new.
Source: foundationarmor.com
OUR RATING
Specifications
Features/Benefits
While many paver sealers in the market are suited to one type of surface, Foundation Armor Wet Look Paver Sealer is versatile and can be used for several surfaces both indoors and outdoors. It has a unique self-priming formula and the results last for up to 3 years outdoors, and 5 years indoors. With long-lasting, durable results, this is one of the most low-maintenance paver sealers out there.
Pros:
Cons:
Verdict
Foundation Armor Wet Look Paver Sealer has a loyal following, though one can’t help but notice how many customers have complained that its once beautiful look changed dramatically after the sealed pavers were exposed to rains, storms, and sunlight. Though application is generally simple, it does take effort to apply a sealer and it’s disappointing to see that your hard work was for nothing after pavers look damaged again after application. If you live in an area exposed to harsh climates, this sealer is not recommended.
Glaze 'N Seal Clear Paver Sealer & Sand Stabilizer
Glaze ‘N Seal Clear Paver Sealer & Sand Stabilizer is a one-step sealer designed to protect and enhance new and current pavers. It boasts of superior resistance to stain and mildew, while offering durable protection from fading. This water-based acrylic sealer works by penetrating deep into the surface while reducing the impact from freezing, fading, and efflorescence. As a bonus, it’s got a low VOC formula which is easy to clean and maintain after application.
Source: glaze-n-seal.com
OUR RATING
Specifications
Features/Benefits
Glaze ‘N Seal Clear Paver Sealer & Sand Stabilizer is ideal for old and new pavers that require fortification from stains and the elements while keeping it looking good thanks to the clear acrylic formula. Applying this sealer doesn’t change the paver’s looks but rather enhances it. The formula’s low VOC content makes it environmentally-friendly, but it’s also easy to clean, maintain, and reapply whenever needed.
Pros:
Cons:
Verdict
Glaze ‘N Seal Clear Paver Sealer & Sand Stabilizer is a multi-purpose sealer that does a terrific job of sealing plus stabilizing sand. Though it comes with a hefty price tag, customers report satisfaction in using this product, so you can have confidence when making this purchase. It’s recommended for a variety of projects on many surfaces, so you can’t go wrong with it.
Eagle Sealer Clear Paver Sealer
Eagle Sealer Clear Paver Sealer is a solvent-based product that leaves a beautiful wet look on pavers. Its non-yellowing, UV-resistant formula works to adhere strongly to surfaces. One application will protect from salt damage, oil, and water while reducing fading. This is designed to leave your sealers looking brand new.
Source: eaglesealer.com
OUR RATING
Specifications
Features/Benefits
Eagle Sealer Clear Paver Sealer boasts of excellent water repellent properties, making it suitable for use in areas that are prone to a lot of water exposure. Not only do pavers end up looking new, but the results are long-lasting as you’ll notice water beading months into application. It’s also more affordable compared to other others types of sealers yet it doesn’t scrimp when it comes to performance and durability.
Pros:
Cons:
Verdict
Eagle Sealer Clear Paver Sealer is a winner in the market when it comes to price, performance, and durability. Not only will you save more, but you will be pleased with results for as long as you follow the directions. Though more coats are required compared to other sealers, this product certainly delivers when it comes to maximum impact and long-lasting performance that truly withstands exposure from water but could require more frequent reapplication when exposed to harsh sun. Keep in mind that this product has strong fumes so a mask is necessary but once you see the results it will be worth it.
Black Diamond Wet Look Stone Sealer
Black Diamond Wet Look Stone Sealer is a versatile glossy sealer that can be used both indoors and outdoors. It works to beautify while protecting from wear, ultraviolet rays, water, and chemicals. This sealer works great on pavers, natural stone, slate, and other types of masonry surfaces except polished marble and granite.
Source: bdstoneworks.com
OUR RATING
Specifications
Features/Benefits
Black Diamond Wet Look Sealer can be used both indoors and outdoors on a variety of surfaces. One gallon will cover around 500 square feet, as it works to protect and enhance its natural appearance. Unlike other sealers that darken stone in order to beautify, this formula does not. It’s easy to use and low maintenance too, making water clean-up quick and simple.
Pros:
Cons:
Verdict
Black Diamond Wet Look Sealer does a fine job but it requires application of three coats, which can cost a lot of money. On top of that, you can’t be sure if you’ll get the results you wanted even after three coats. Using this paver sealer could be a gamble especially if you work with rough surfaces on the exterior of your home. If you want to truly save time and money, while being assured of a job done well, you may be better off hiring a professional to do the job.
MasonryDefender Low Gloss Paver Sealer
MasonryDefender Low Gloss Paver Sealer is a low-gloss acrylic sealer that’s low in VOC. It’s ready to use straight out of the bottle, simply put it in a pump garden spray. One application will discourage the growth of weed, repel water, and harden joint sand. It can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications, though outdoor applications such as in the driveway should be cured for 7 days before use.
Source: masonrydefender.com
OUR RATING
Specifications
Features/Benefits
MasonryDefender Low Gloss Paver Sealer is a multi-functional sealer that does a good all-around job in protecting surfaces. It stabilizes joint sands and won’t leave a high glossy finish unlike others, but a mild satiny sheen. With excellent performance, long-lasting results, and a cost-effective formula, it’s no surprise that MasonryDefender Low Gloss Paver Sealer has such a loyal following.
Pros:
Cons:
Verdict
MasonryDefender Low Gloss Paver Sealer may be a gamble when it comes to the results. You may or may not get what you want out of this sealer, so paying the price is a risk. The results have shown to be inconsistent based on customer reviews. If you don’t have the budget to risk a project that hasn’t gone well, then you’re better off with another paver sealer.
Rain Guard Invisible Clear Paver Sealer
RainGuard Invisible Clear Paver Sealer is a silane siloxane penetrating sealer that repels water while protecting damage caused by snow, ice, rain, and efflorescence. It’s a non-yellowing product that doesn’t change the surface because it dries clearly. The non-toxic, low odor, and zero VOC formula makes it completely safe for the environment, people, plants, and pets. It’s ideal for use on interior and exterior, vertical and horizontal, and uncoated or unpainted concrete surfaces.
Source: rainguard.com
OUR RATING
Specifications
Features/Benefits
RainGuard Invisible Clear Paver Sealer is suitable for homeowners who want to seal and protect their pavers, without changing its look at all. Application is easy, and as long as you use at least two coats then it provides long-lasting protection from damage caused by the elements as well as wear and tear. Unlike other paver sealers that leave a shine of sorts, this formula leaves none of that.
Pros:
Cons:
Verdict
RainGuard Invisible Clear Paver Sealer doesn’t seem to leave any impressive results whatsoever. Most customers were disappointed as this sealer doesn’t do anything for pavers: no appearance improvement, nor does it protect. This sealer is not recommended for use as you may be better off hiring a professional service or buying another product instead.
What Are Pavers?
Many people like to upgrade the look of their walkway or patio by paving them with materials like stones, concrete or brick. These aren’t just slabs of the material lined on the walkway. These are smaller pieces that are molded into a particular shape, which are then laid down for their aesthetic appeal and durability. Such pieces are known as paving stones or pavers and give a good amount of structure to your yard.
If you build a patio with good quality pavers, it can last up to 25 to 30 years. Therefore, it can be a good investment in the long run, especially if you are a homeowner.
What Are They Made Of?
Pavers and paving stones can be made of a number of different materials. You can choose the material that is most suitable for your personal needs – depending on the look, the levels of maintenance and so on. There are two distinct categories of pavers – natural and manufactured. Some of the pavers that come under both these categories are mentioned below.
Why Do You Need to Seal Pavers?
The main reason for sealing the pavers in your patios, walkway or driveway is to increase their longevity. Pavers are usually porous by nature, especially if you are using brick pavers to line your front or back yard. The many forces of nature can easily damage these paving stones, making the task of maintenance very tedious. For example, there may be a lot of rainwater that seeps into the pavers in the gaps between them. This can compromise their integrity and also lead to numerous growths that may seem unsightly in the long run.
To avoid such situations, you can use the best paver sealer for your paving stones and apply it onto the surface. This will seal the pavers to mitigate any further damage but still give them enough space for breathability. The application of these sealers is also fairly simple, which means you won’t even need to bring in a professional to do the project.
Types of Paver Sealers
There are many types of paver sealers that can be used to seal pavers, depending on the material that the paving stones are made of and the final effect that you desire. Some of the more popular types, depending on their composition, are mentioned below.
Silicate Based Paver Sealers
The first type of sealers being discussed here are the silicate sealers or reactive densifiers. These work on the basis of chemical reactions and help in strengthening and improving the density of your pavers. It is, however, not the best option for most people as it can cause a layer of white crystals to form on top of the pavers. After these crystals form, especially because of over application, they cannot be removed. You will have to remove the entire paver.
Silane-Siloxane Based Paver Sealers
The next type of paver sealers that are very popular among professionals and homeowners are silane-siloxane sealers. They penetrate into the surface of the paver to react with the material and form a waterproof barrier. The best part about these sealers is that they won’t change how your paving stones look. These will give you long lasting protection – up to 10 years – against any major damage that can harm your pavers.
Acrylic Based Paver Sealers
The last type of paver sealers that are very popular is the acrylic variety. They are available in a number of variants – low gloss, high gloss or wet look. When they penetrate the surface of the pavers, they leave a thin film to protect the pavers against damage. They differ from silane-siloxane sealers as the acrylic sealers stop the deterioration completely, instead of just reducing it like silane-siloxane sealers manage to do. However, these paver sealers will have to be applied again after a couple of years.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Purchasing a Paver Sealer
Picking the best paver sealer for your needs can be a confusing task. There are a number of factors that need to be considered before you can zero in on one. Similarly, some paver sealers that work like magic for certain surfaces don’t give the same level of protection for other surfaces. To make this process a little easier for you, here are some of the things that you should consider before picking a paver sealer.
Ease of Application
First and foremost, it is important that you pick a paver sealer that is easy to apply and won’t need any professional help. Enlisting the help of a professional can cost you money, but doing the job yourself will save that extra money and can turn out to be an interesting project thanks to the simplicity of it. However, some brands are a little more confusing, so it will be helpful if you choose the more user-friendly one that can be applied with a paint brush, roller, spray or so on.
Versatility
It is always helpful if the product that you purchase can be used for a variety of different surfaces. For example, you could be sealing your driveway and once you are done, you can use the same sealant on other stone or concrete surfaces. This will help in avoiding the purchase of many different kinds of paver sealers around the house.
Maintenance
Not every paver sealer is easy to clean and maintain. These can be very sticky, leaving a mess during the application process and after that. Therefore, it is important that you pick one that is easy to clean up once you are done with the application. Similarly, it should be easy to maintain in the long run.
Durability
The best paver sealers in the market are the ones that can withstand the daily wear and tear of foot traffic after application. Once applied to the pavers, they should be able to last for a while without the need for constant reapplication. While cheaper options can lose their strength over time, the good quality options can last for years after they are applied. These will not discolor over time and maintain a glossy finish, without being slippery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I seal my pavers?
Whether or not you seal your pavers is a personal choice. Adding paver sealer is definitely a bit of work but it's also a relatively low-maintenance product; sealing pavers does offer several benefits. A sealer will maintain the durability of the pavers, minimize fading as a result of UV ray exposure, prevent mold and mildew growth, protects against stains, and can enhance the overall look of the pavers by making the natural color of the material appear more vibrant.
What is the best sealer for pavers?
The best sealer for pavers depends on the specific type of material the pavers are made of and the look you are attempting to create. There are several different types of paver sealers available.
Some do not alter the appearance of a paver’s surface, but rather simply improve their durability, while others create a “wet look” finish. In addition, there are topical, or film-forming and penetrating, or non-film-forming sealers. The former are made with acrylic or polyurethane, while the latter are made with silanes, fluropolymers, and siloxanes.
Generally speaking, film-forming paver sealers are the best option, as they create a protective barrier over the surface of the material, which helps to prevent moisture penetration, fading, and corrosion.
Does sealing pavers prevent mold?
Mold growth is a common problem for pavers. Applying sealant can help to prevent its growth. A penetrative sealer that reduces the permeability of the pavers preventing moisture penetration, thus reducing the potential for mold growth. In addition to preventing mold, a sealer will also help to minimize weed, moss, and grass growth, reduce UV damage, and can potentially prevent the intrusion of insects.
Should you seal sandstone paving?
Sandstone pavers are visually appealing and well-suited for exterior use; however, because they are very porous in nature, they are susceptible to water and liquid penetration, staining, chips, and cracks.
To improve the durability of sandstone pavers and enhance the visual appearance of the material, applying a sealer to pavers that are made of sandstone is highly recommended. A deep-penetrating stone stain will yield the best results.
How much do paver sealers cost?
The cost of paver sealer varies. There are several factors that affect the price of paver sealer; the type of sealer, whether or not it features any pigment, and the location where the sealer is purchased are all aspects that will impact the price. For example, deep-penetrating, “wet-look” sealers tend to cost more than surface penetrating, latex stain that doesn’t alter or enhance the look of the pavers.
Does the sealer make the pavers slippery?
Whether or not paver sealer is slippery depends on the type of sealer that is used and the material that the sealer has been applied to. For example, wet cast brick pavers have a smooth surface and certain types of paver sealers, such as “wet look” sealers, can make them slippery; additionally, low-quality sealers can also make pavers slippery.
However, there are skid-resistant additives available that can be mixed in with paver sealer before it dries; these additives add grip to the surface of a sealed paver, thus reducing the slipperiness.
Verdict
Some of the factors that need to be brought under consideration before choosing the right kind of sealant for the paving stones that you have at home have been discussed before. In addition to these, you should also keep in mind some other things, for example, the amount of money you are willing to spend, the finish that suits your taste and finally the material that the paver sealer needs to be used on.
In the list provided above, most of the options are suitable for application on concrete pavers. Therefore, if you have concrete pavers at home, you have a number of paver sealers to choose from, including the EnduraSeal variant of the SuperSeal 2000 variant. If you aren’t looking for too much shine in the final product, the KILZ product with its low-luster finish can be a good option.
Finally, while the Foundation Armor and the Black Diamond Stoneworks are on the more expensive side, they offer exceptional protection and a glossy overall finish. These products are easy to apply and don’t give trouble for over 5 years if you are carrying out proper maintenance. Any of these options will work very well if you are looking to seal the pavers on your patio, walkway or driveway.
Resources:
ResearchGate
SFGate
Academia
